Shengen space reform, migratory pact, defense Europe … Thursday, the head of state presented its priorities for the French Presidency of the EU Council, beginning 2022. An ambitious program, sometimes too much in view of his actual prerogatives.
by
Failing to present his program for France – since at four months of the presidential election he is officially not a candidate for his succession – Emmanuel Macron delivered, more than an hour during, his vision for the Europe. Thursday, December 9, the Head of State presented his priorities for the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), scheduled for the first half of 2022, and declined his favorite themes for a Europe “fully sovereign, free of his choices and master of his destiny “.
In listing the many projects it intends to lead – to reform the Schengen space, advance the migratory pact, accelerate the construction of the Europe of Defense, “refound in depth” the relationship between the old continent and the African Union, “Building a new European Growth Model”, “Rethinking the Budget Framework”, reconciling economic development and climate transition, regulate the digital world, … – Emmanuel Macron seemed to abstract the real prerogatives given by a presidency of the EU Council as well as its temporary nature.
Especially since, in the case of France, the time during which Paris will be able to take initiatives will be even more limited than the accustomed – two and a half months – taking into account the reserve duty that imposes on Emmanuel Macron and his ministers as part of the French election campaign. What does the head of state quoted also initiatives already in the pipes – the Commission must submit next week its proposal for reform of the Schengen Code -, of well advanced directive projects – this is the case Texts on the minimum wage or on the regulation of digital space – than strategies in longer term that nothing says they will see the day.
The Elysee sees big
“The rotating presidency, it is not just a hotel function”, consisting of organizing the advice of the ministers of the twenty-seven and to seek a compromise between the Member States on topics that often divide them, launched Emmanuel Macron. Before adding: “It is also a function of inspiration, trigger”. Moreover, the Elysee sees great and announced several peaks and dozens of meetings in France, which will be added to the advice of the formal ministers programmed in Brussels. In total, some 400 appointments are planned, mainly in the first three months of the French Presidency. They will start with a speech by the Head of State in the Parliament of Strasbourg on 19 January.
You have 60.36% of this article to be read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.